Caleb Asher Cook

It is with great sadness that we announce we lost our little baby boy, Caleb Asher, on Monday, December 8th. Caleb had a rare chromosomal disorder, Edward’s syndrome (Trisomy 18), and he was born stillborn. Our time with him was short, and he is deeply loved and missed.

Although we are heartbroken over the loss of our baby boy, we find joy this Christmas in celebrating the birth of another baby boy - Jesus. As Luke 2:10-11 says, But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

In 2 Samuel 12:23, as King David mourns the loss of his son, he says, “…I will go to him, but he will not return to me.” This is our hope and assurance during this time of mourning. Because God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, Jesus, and whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life, we have a living hope. We know Caleb is with our loving Savior Jesus, completely healed, and because of Jesus, we will go to him someday.

The loss of our son is at times unbearable, but a day is coming when God will dwell with us and He will wipe away every tear and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain. Until then, we rest in a peace that surpasses all understanding, a peace this world cannot offer. This peace is found in the gift of salvation and eternal life that God has given us through Jesus.

Isaiah 40:11 - He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.

Job 1:21 - The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.”

John 16:33 - “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Merry CHRISTmas,

Matt and Bethany